In 1998 the Elam M. Martin Mennonites elected and ordained Alvin Martin to the ministry. Four years later Elam M. Martin died, and in 2006 Alvin Martin with some supporting members separated from the group and moved to Chesley in Bruce County, Ontario (see Alvin Martin Mennonites).

Half of the remaining members joined the Orthodox Mennonites in 2009. This led the Orthodox Mennonites to resume meetings in Waterloo Region after a lapse of around 30 years. The remaining families of the Elam M. Martin group continued to meet under the lay-leadership of Eli Sherk and David Martin, in Wellesley Township, near Linwood, Ontario.